[Saydee]

I have a 34" HDTV CRT and a 55" Plasma. For the plasma I have a CM-7000PAL, which works for me. The 34" HDTV CRT does not have a tuner build in. I don't need a DVR or even VCR capability for that TV. The TV has DVI and component inputs, but not HDMI. This will be used in a spare room. Do not need QAM.


I really would like a STB that has good HD PQ for most. Having a nice EPG would be nice as well.


My budget is no more than ~$130.


It seems that either the Zenith DTT901 or the CM7001 would be sufficient. Is there anything I should know about either these two that I should know (they both pass HD signals right?)


Is there some other model I should consider, or hold out for?


I appreciate any advice. I am still new to the OTA world....and so far I am really liking it!

 

[jjeff]

If you want a HD tuner for your HDTV you should really check out this thread. Many sell for less than your budget and several have component and I think some may even have DVI output.

Between the two you listed I'd definitely go for the CM. It has a much nicer guide, sharper picture and slightly better Dx'ing, the Zenith has slightly better multipath rejection.

I have both and on my 32" 720p HDTV I can tell a fair difference in picture quality using S-video with the CM. Don't get me wrong, the Zenith is a great box but if you can use S-video get the CM.

 

[Floydage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Saydee /forum/post/20808828


I really would like a STB that has good HD PQ for most.


It seems that either the Zenith DTT901 or the CM7001 would be sufficient. Is there anything I should know about either these two that I should know (they both pass HD signals right?)

The Zenith DTT901 has SD output (converter box).

 

[Saydee]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Floydage /forum/post/20810442


The Zenith DTT901 has SD output (converter box).

I guess that answers it. Thanks!

 

[TalkingRat]

not so fast...


I think jjeff is referring to the CM7000 CECB. You posted in the CECB -- coupon eligible converter box -- forum, so none of the models in this section are HD, govt. specs required SD only.


The CM7001, is HD, but from what I've read, has a terrible guide, nothing more than current title. And no ability to delete unwanted channels. It's reportedly a clone of Zat502.

 

[jjeff]

Good catch Rat! I was indeed talking about the SD CM-7000 CECB, since this is a CECB thread. I now see the OP was indeed talking about the CM-7001 although the Zenith DTT901 was also mentioned and that's a SD CECB

It would be nice if CM came up with a few more model numbers for their DVR & tuners

easy to make mistakes.

 

[TalkingRat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjeff Good catch Rat! I was indeed talking about the SD CM-7000 CECB, since this is a CECB thread. I now see the OP was indeed talking about the CM-7001 although the Zenith DTT901 was also mentioned and that's a SD CECB It would be nice if CM came up with a few more model numbers for their DVR & tuners easy to make mistakes.

Ain't that the truth! CM7000 has been especially confusing. I ran into the 7001 at Frys, perhaps before it was officially out, even. With the higher number, I thought at first it would be an improved Pal.

 

[TalkingRat]

Adding: it didn't help that the CM7000 CECB has wording on the carton saying something like "Watch HD on your TV for free," and the unit itself has an "HD" label on it. I don't know how they got away with such misleading labeling.

 

[tylerSC]

The CM7000 converter box is still being sold at Fry's, as well as the CM7001 HD tuner and the CM7000PAL HD DVR. So it is a bit confusing unless you know what you are looking for. I don't think the Zenith boxes are available anywhere anymore. I still see RCA and Magnavox at Walmart, Apex at BB, and Digital Stream at RadioShack. And Venturer at Target.